Dear Members of the Bar,
The Bar Council has been making every effort in the last week to ensure the Bar’s voice is heard and that your concerns are being acknowledged as the Covid-19 virus impacts our justice system. There is still a lot for us to do for members of the Bar, but we are making headway, together with SBAs and the Circuits.
In the last few days we have been in regular talks with the Lord Chancellor and the Ministry of Justice, HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), the judiciary, the CPS, as well as Sir Bob Neill MP, Chair of the House of Commons Justice Select Committee, and other organisations to put across our case.
We’ve made some progress for the Bar.
‘Key worker’ status for barristers
Barristers have a vital role to play in making justice happen every day. So, it is absolutely right that today it was confirmed to me by the Lord Chancellor that barristers involved in court proceedings (including tribunal hearings) are considered key workers, thereby allowing their children to attend nursery, school or college, while they carry on working for the public. It shows that the Government takes seriously its commitment to justice as an essential part of our democracy. Even in the midst of the Covid-19 storm, the justice system must continue to function. We are pleased that sensible measures are being taken to reduce the health risks that Covid-19 presents. The courts and the Bar will adapt to the norm being remote hearings by video or telephone and, unusually, in person. Many members of the profession were very concerned that they would not be able to work if they had to care for their children during court hours. The Bar Council is delighted that barristers can continue to represent the public in these difficult times.
Bar Mutual
We have been in discussion with the Bar Mutual (BMIF) about relieving financial stress for the self-employed Bar during this difficult time. I am pleased to say that BMIF has announced that, in these exceptional circumstances, it has decided to adopt measures intended to help members of the Bar who simply cannot pay their full insurance premium, prior to renewal of their 2020/2021 BMIF insurance policy. For these members, BMIF will accept payment of 50% of the premium by 31 March 2020 and payment of the remaining 50% by 30 September 2020.